Raglan shooting: Tourist dead, terrified partner ran for help

Sean McKinnon, 33, and his Canadian sweetheart Bianca Buckley, 32, were parked on a beach in the town of Raglan around 3:20 a.m. when a man thumped on the window, The Australian reported.

Police said Mr McKinnon was sleeping in the campervan with his fiancee when the alleged gunman fired a number of shots into the vehicle after 2am on Friday.

The van was discovered around 8 a.m., about 46 miles away in the village of Gordonton - with McKinnon's lifeless body inside, according to the report. The Canadian woman managed to escape and run away, and called police.

"In light of the current circumstances, a general arming order for police staff is in place this afternoon for the entire Waikato District and will be reassessed later today".

As for the victim's identity, police said they would not be naming him until a formal identification has been carried out and his next of kin have been notified.

McKinnon, 33, grew up around Warrnambool in Victoria's southwest.

"This is a random attack by what we attribute to a sole offender", he said.

Friends are remembering him as a talented musician, an avid surfer and a "genuine, gentle man with a heart of gold".

"If you think you have seen this vehicle or have information that may be helpful please contact Hamilton Police on (07) 858-6200".

Police are expected to brief media on the investigation on Saturday morning.

"We are appealing to the public for any sightings of a white 2017 Toyota Hiace ZL van (registration KWF362 - similar to the attached photo) travelling between Raglan and Gordonton before 8am this morning".